2024 Paris Olympic Games: Antoine Dupont and France finally off the mark in Rugby Sevens, All Blacks beat South Africa

Antoine Dupont made up for France's earlier draw, as they beat Uruguay 19-12 in their second pool match of the Rugby 7s. Elsewhere, New Zealand kept their 100% record by beating South Africa, while it was an impressive opening day for the Republic of Ireland, who also won both their matches after a thumping success against Japan.

Antoine Dupont scored his first try at Paris 2024 as France bounced back from their opening-round draw against the USA to see off a spirited Uruguay 19-12 and record their first Rugby Sevens victory.

The tournament hosts and favourites were made to work until the closing seconds at the Stade de France for their victory against a Uruguayan side who simply refused to back down.

Antoine Zeghdar crossed over to give France the lead inside two minutes, only for Ignacio Facciolo to level the scores before the break.

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Antoine Dupont scores try Paris 2024

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Dupont carried the ball 50 yards, fending off three tacklers in the process, to restore France’s lead early in the second half, but Uruguay hit back immediately through Juan Gonzalez as the prospect of a second French draw became a genuine possibility.

But Jean Pascal Barraque’s try four minutes from time would prove vital as France, who had to play the closing stages a man down, ground out their first win.

Fiji issue second statement of intent

Fiji had six different try scorers in their comeback demolition of the United States

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France sit second behind Pool C leaders Fiji, who continued their Olympic title defence with a scintillating 38-12 victory over the United States.

Orrin Bizer raced into the corner to give the USA an early lead, but it prompted an emphatic response from the Fijians.

In a remarkable display of attacking flare, Fiji ran in five unanswered first-half tries from Iowane Teba, Kaminieli Rasaku, Selesitino Ravutaumada, Raisuqe Josaia and Iosefo Baleiwairiki to take a commanding 33-5 lead at the break.

The floodgates remained open long enough for Waisea Nacuqu to add a sixth early in the second half, but the United States managed to stem the flow, with Perry Baker scoring a late consolation.

Fiji face France on Thursday at 2.30pm, with the United States and Uruguay concluding their Pool C campaigns at 2pm.

• Dupont's France frustrated in Rugby Sevens opener at Paris 2024

Australia two from two

James Turner raced clear to give Australia an early breakthrough

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Australia followed up their opening-round victory against Samoa with a 21-7 win over Kenya to make it two from two at Paris 2024.

James Turner gave Australia an early lead only for Antony Mboya to level to keep Kenya’s hopes of a maiden pool-stage victory at the Olympics alive two minutes later.

Fresh from his heroics in the first game, Nathan Lawson fired Australia into a half-time lead with his second try of the tournament, before Corey Tooley made the victory secure with a decisive third midway through the second half.

Argentina lead the way in Pool B

Argentina made it two wins from two with victory over Samoa

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Argentina secured their second Rugby Sevens victory at Paris 2024 with a 14-0 win over Samoa.

Matias Osadczuk, Matteo Graziano and Joaquin Pellandini ran in three unanswered first-half tries for the Pumas, before Osadczuk added his second early in the second period.

Samoa pulled a try back through Vaa Apelu Maliko and made the scoreline more respectable through Neueli Leitufia’s late score, but it came too late to deny Argentina.

The victory lifts Argentina above Australia on points scored at the top of Pool B ahead of their group-stage showdown on Thursday.

Ireland demolish japan

In Pool A, Ireland backed up their impressive 10-5 victory over South Africa by cantering to victory over Japan.

The Irish, who failed to qualify for the knock-out stages in Tokyo three years ago, took the lead after just 55 seconds through Terry Kennedy and did not look back from there.

Chay Mullins added a further try shortly before half-time and, with both converted by Hugo Lennox, they had a commanding 14-0 lead at the break.

Things went from bad to worse for Japan straight after the restart as a superb turnover by Harry McNulty led to a runaway try, before Niall Comerford added a further score.

It was becoming a mauling by now, as even though Lennox missed the resulting conversation, Mullins flew inside to run under the posts for 31-0 with three minutes still to go.

This time, Lennox's kick went between the sticks, and although Japan reduced the deficit when Tsuoka Shotaro nipped inside to cross the whitewash, the damage had already been done.

Indeed, Ireland furthered their advantage as Zac Ward jogged home for an emphatic 40-5 success that leaves them with two wins from two and sets up a mouth-watering clash with Tokyo 2020 runners-up New Zealand tomorrow.

New zealand STEAL A MARCH IN POOL C

The All Blacks were on hand to round off the evening's entertainment against South Africa, as they looked to make it back-to-back victories after thrashing Japan 40-12 in their opening match.

Sandile Ngcobo's side, who were beaten quarter-finalists three years ago, suffered an early blow though as Quewin Nortje suffered a nasty shoulder injury within the opening minute.

He was unable to continue, and in his absence his team-mates could not resist New Zealand, who took the lead when Moses Leo rounded off a magnificent team move in the left corner.

Rokolisoa's outrageous goose step sees New Zealand extend lead against Japan

Video credit: TNT Sports

Selvyn Davids quickly responded as he burst onto Scott Curry's pass, but parity did not last long, with a stunning no-look pass from Andrew Knewstubb paving the way for Ngarohi McGarvey-Black to restore the lead.

Things were a little tighter after the break, but Leo found enough space to burst down the left and record his second try, which was topped off by Akuila Rokolisoa landing his first conversion.

That gave New Zealand a 17-5 lead, enough to move them above Ireland on points difference.

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